38 Super, Is it a good idea?

[FNH5-7]

I've been seriusly thinking about getting a 38 Super. The ballistics of this round are what draw me into it, it's one hot round. Availability of ammunition is my main concern. I've never seen 38 Super at my local Walmart. With the AB962 Ammo bill coming to us in the future and not being able to have ammo shipped from outside the state I'm having my doubts about this caliber. I don't want to have a gun I can't shoot, not because I can't afford it but because ammo is scarce. Is this a caliber that will die off in a few years?? I've noticed that it's not very popular.

Did this round ever have a higher level of popularity? If so, what led to its decline?


I've used the search button and online search, I'm mainly looking for input from fellow calgunners.

[SCMA-1]

It's popular with IPSC Open Division shooters who reload their own rounds and run compensators that take advantage of the round's high gas pressure and volume.

[phamkl]

.38 super?

Judging from your screen name, I don't think you have anything to worry about .38 super disappearing before you do. It's been around for some 80 years or so and has plenty of life in pistol competitions.

[FNH5-7]

It's popular with IPSC Open Division shooters who reload their own rounds and run compensators that take advantage of the round's high gas pressure and volume.

"Reload" being key. I guess I would have to get into that.

.38 super?

Judging from your screen name, I don't think you have anything to worry about .38 super disappearing before you do. It's been around for some 80 years or so.

Gun shops around here always have 5.7x28mm in stock when I drop in, and I drop in quite frequently..........

[NorCal_]

Tagged
+1 Good question because I've been wondering the same myself.

[45DAVID1]

$260 for 1000

http://www.the-armory.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/38_Super_FMJ_Aguila.html

[FNH5-7]

$260 for 1000
http://www.the-armory.com/shopsite_s...MJ_Aguila.html

Thanks that's a great deal.

[para38super]

38 super is a great caliber. Actually my favorite caliber for the 1911 platform. There is nothing like a Colt 38 super!!!

[nn3453]

Great caliber.

Not practical if you don't reload and compete.

[razr]

38 super

9 mil on steroids!

[mcholak]

Someone once told me this is a very popular round in Mexico because they can't have anything bigger than 9mm and this is more powerful. I don't know if that was accurate or if he pulled it out of his behind.

My cousin used to have a nickel plated .38 Super 1911. Without a doubt the prettiest gun I've ever held but not terribly practical and I never got a chance to shoot it.

[NorCal_]

Someone once told me this is a very popular round in Mexico because they can't have anything bigger than 9mm and this is more powerful. I don't know if that was accurate or if he pulled it out of his behind.

My cousin used to have a nickel plated .38 Super 1911. Without a doubt the prettiest gun I've ever held but not terribly practical and I never got a chance to shoot it.

Yes your buddy was correct. Its the highest caliber a civilian can have in most of central and south america and are a law abiding citizens. From a ballistic standpoint it compares to or exceeds the velocity of 9mm with +p+ ammo.

[Fantasma]

I've been seriusly thinking about getting a 38 Super. The ballistics of this round are what draw me into it, it's one hot round. Availability of ammunition is my main concern. I've never seen 38 Super at my local Walmart. With the AB962 Ammo bill coming to us in the future and not being able to have ammo shipped from outside the state I'm having my doubts about this caliber. I don't want to have a gun I can't shoot, not because I can't afford it but because ammo is scarce. Is this a caliber that will die off in a few years?? I've noticed that it's not very popular.

Did this round ever have a higher level of popularity? If so, what led to its decline?


I've used the search button and online search, I'm mainly looking for input from fellow calgunners.

Get i,t Get it, Get it

Una .38 super...para limpiar el camino....

ajajajaja.

Nah but I like how they shoot very accurate.... and that was from an RIA I'd expect much more from a colt.

[BunnySlayer]

The .38 super was devoleped mostly due to the popularity of bank robbery during the depression era. The .45acp wasn't giving the penetration through car doors and such. A lot of texas rangers and such liked it but despite that it never really caught on in law enforcement in those days as wheelguns were preferred and the .357 mag truly out-distanced it into near obscurity.. It became popular with ISPC in the 70's and 80's due the the ability to down load ammunition and use bullets of lighter weight, gaining greater speed in target aquisition. The .40 smith has largely eclipsed it with the competition crowd but it remains a good round. Especially of you reload for it. It can be a good defensive round, having very close performance to the .357 magnum or you can load it way down for competition and target use. I've never owned one but that doesnt mean I wouldn't.

[reidnez]

If you want one, get it! You don't have to justify your gun purchases to anyone. Most of us have safes full of stuff which has no practical purpose, but we which we simply find fun or interesting. If I limited myself to the firearms that I could honestly justify with a "practical" purpose in my life, I wouldn't have any firearms at all. I'm not a hunter, rancher, or a cop. I haven't "needed" a weapon since I left Ramadi. That doesn't stop me from wanting them.